Zhou You had his second son, born of a concubine, take Pharmacist Ku Tang from among the personal guards as his master.
To this end, he grandly held an apprenticeship ceremony and invited guests such as Lian Feihong to bear witness.
After this matter was settled, both his sons had arrangements made for them. He canceled his leave and returned to work at the Imperial Palace of Heaven Worship, where nothing around him had changed.
During that time, Consort Mei summoned him once as well. Her attitude had not changed in the slightest, and she merely asked about his progress in studying seal script and such.
His work environment had become more comfortable, leaving him ample time to attend to his own affairs.
According to the observations of his colleagues and subordinates, Zhou You's greatest change was that he had begun studying the use of the ge in his daily life. He had even borrowed weapons from the Golden Ge guards to practice and drill with.
A ge differed from a spear. Beyond straight thrusts, it also had horizontal striking techniques; the slightest variation could give rise to endless forms and routines.
Zhou Suanni watched all this and frequently reported his observations to Zhou Mou, submitting a report every three to five days, come rain or shine.
"I heard that on his rest days, he returned home without getting intimate with his wives and concubines. Instead, he sought out that Northern Profound Zhu among the personal guards for sparring, demanding that the other party attack with the techniques of the North Garrison Northern Dagger-Axe."
At this point, Zhou Suanni gave a snickering laugh. "It seems our Commander Zhou's mindset has become that of a trapped beast. He was desperate to break free of the shadow cast by the North Garrison